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FALL 2012

480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeadowBrook

Skip the Mall . . . Shop The Hall!

A Place in the Country: Matilda Wilson’s Personal Guidebook to Meadow Brook Hall/$8.95; American Treasures DVD (featuring Meadow Brook Hall)/$18.95; Duke and Dolly’s Adventure: A Meadow Brook Farms Coloring Book/$5.95 AmeriScape Ornament / $25.95 (left) 24 kt Gold Finish Ornament / $15.95 (right) To find unique and meaningful gifts this holiday season, stop by Meadow Brook Hall’s Museum Store (Mon-Fri 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The Store sells dozens of Meadow Brook- inspired items and many more vintage holiday gift items. Meadow Brook’s private label food line includes coffee, preserves, dipping oils, dip mixes and gourmet chocolate-drizzled Glass for popcorn. the Ages And be sure to check out the Store’s new line of Michigan wines, including red, white, dessert and fruit wines! 500-Piece Puzzle / $18.95

Visit the Museum Store or order online at www.meadowbrookhall.org/shop INSIDE: Chimneys Restored | The World’s Finest Doll House Serving Our |Contents Members’ Needs for Over 50 Years!

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2| Editor’s Column Many hands . . . 8 | Up the chimneys they rose A year’s worth of preservation work brings six of The Hall’s 4| Around the Estate 39 chimneys back to their original grandeur. A landmark celebration! She leads with her heart Four volunteers mark 40 years 10 | A little cottage on the hill Pure Meadow Brook Frances Dodge’s 12th birthday present, a fully functioning Holiday glitz three-quarter scale, six-room retreat, was dubbed “the world’s Troubled bridge no more ﬁnest doll house” by the nation’s press in 1926.

16 | Glass for the ages 24| Last Page Among Meadow Brook’s distinctive architectural features shine Heelpinglping our members fulll their dreams is what we’’rerere all abouta . Managing maintenance 50 stained glass window medallions and insets. Call, click, or visit the OU branch today foror additional details. • Loww--Cost Auto Loaoans • FREE TTotottallalllyy Green Checkkinging 20 | A colossal construction project After more than a year of planning, work on the • Savings OptionsOptions • Surcharrgege-FREE-FREE ATM Access 88,000-square-foot home of Matilda and Alfred Wilson • FREE Online • Loww-R-Rattee VVisaiisa credidit cards hits full stride in 192 7. Second of two parts and Mobile Bankkingiingg • HHome EEquitquitttyy Loans • Morttggages 32653265 FiveFive PointsPoints DriveDrrivive AuburnAuburnuburn HHills,ills, MI 48326 On the Cover: 2248-364-470848-364-4708 • 800-766-800-766-OUCUOUCU One of 50 stained glass windows in The Hall, this library window by G. Owen Bonawit depicts an astronomer and tools of his trade. Photo by Kim Zelinski.

Federally insured by the NCUA www.msufcu.orgwww..mmmsufsufccuu..ororg Serving Our |Contents Members’ Needs for Over 50 Years!

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Federally insured by the NCUA www.msufcu.orgwww..mmmsufsufccuu..ororg Meado wBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Geoffrey C. Upward Associate Editor Kimberly Zelinski ______Art Direction Lynn Metzker Graphic Design ______Photography THE WORLD IS HUGGED BY Rick Smith ______THE FAITHFUL ARMS OF Contributing Writers VOLUNTEERS . Lisa Drummond –Terri Guillemets ______ Business Manager Many hands . . . Robin Gardner We have all heard the expression, “Many hands make light work.” While it is de - MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE batable whether work here at Meadow Brook is ever light, I can attest to the fact is published twice a year for that we do have many hands engaged. And while some are those of our dedicated friends of Meadow Brook Hall. and paid staff, many others are attached to our hundreds of volunteers. Reproduction without permission Our recent celebration of The Hall’s National Historic Landmark designation, is prohibited. ISSN 2161-2358 chronicled on pages four and five of this issue, is a testament to that observation. Just the name of the marquee event, “Hug The Hall,” suggests hands were at work. EDITORIAL OFFICES are located at Meadow Brook Hall And they were: We threw a community picnic and 480 S. Adams Road 2,000 of our closest friends accepted our invitation. OLUNTEERS DO NOT Rochester, MI 48309-4401 V Were it not for the dozens of volunteers on the NECESSARILY HAVE THE job that day, our visitors would no doubt have HOW TO REACH US Email: [email protected] TIME ; THEY JUST HAVE gone away disappointed. In the end, they were thrilled with yet another rewarding Meadow Brook Phone: 248-364-6204 THE HEART . Fax: 248-364-6201 experience. –Elizabeth Andrew Elsewhere in this issue, you will find articles on ADDRESS CHANGES Email: [email protected] five very special people. Irene Connors, The Hall’s Mail: Kelly Lenda longtime volunteer coordinator, was this year’s Meadow Brook Hall recipient of the Barb Thorpe Award for exem - 480 S. Adams Road plary service. And four of her comrades were ACT AS IF WHAT YOU DO Rochester, MI 48309-4401 honored for 40 years of service to Meadow MAKES A DIFFERENCE . Brook . . . that’s 40 years each! Few if any or - IT DOES . –William James ganizations can claim one, let alone four, vol - unteers with that kind of commitment. In a small tribute to our friends who contribute their time, energy and passion to preserving and interpreting the lessons this house can tell, I have gathered some favorite quotes about volunteering. I hope you Explore the reasons why Cooley is an excellent choice in legal education. not only enjoy them, but they inspire you to HERE ’S TO ALL VOLUN - either pursue such ideals, or to simply thank the At Cooley, many people are finding that it is possible to fit law school into their busy lives. With four campuses TEERS , THOSE DEDICATED many volunteers among you. across Michigan – Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor – Cooley offers classes year-round, days, evenings, and weekends. Students receive a legal education that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN ethics that distinguishes our over 14,000 graduates worldwide. Find out more at cooley.edu. ALL WORK AND NO PAY . Knowledge. Skills. Ethics. –Robert Orben Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified Matilda and Alfred Wilson applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.” cooley.edu

ICG.0910.034.AD Meado wBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

ICG.0910.034.AD |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

A landmark celebration!

Meadow Brook officially celebrated the official unveiling of the fine cuisine, its National Historic Landmark desig - National Park Service musical perform - nation in grand style and with over - plaque on the mounting ances by Oakland whelming community support during block near The Hall’s front University stu - both a July 18 Landmark Gala and a entrance. The event – dents and con - Professional singer and Oakland University Hug the Hall community event held attended by Dodge family gratulatory alumna Jennifer Kincer entertained visitors on July 20. members, Oakland acknowledge - at “Hug the Hall.” Hosted by Oakland University University friends, Meadow ments from president Gary Russi and Meadow Brook Hall Cornerstone elected officials, including U.S. Senator Brook Hall Executive Director Geoff Society members and community Carl Levin, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters and Upward, the Landmark Gala included leaders – was an elegant affair featuring Gov. Rick Snyder, and Richard Wilson, son of Alfred and Matilda Wilson. Official plaque Meadow Brook Hall opened its unveiling with John grounds two days later to nearly and Julie Van 2,000 community visitors of all Lennep, Executive ages to perform the first-ever Director Geoff “Hug” of the Hall. Participants Upward, OU Presi - enjoyed a picnic lunch, tours of dent Gary Russi, The Hall, a children’s scavenger Elizabeth and Rikki hunt, a live musical performance Caldwell. John Van by Oakland University alumna Jen - Lennep and Rikki nifer Kincer, a Friends of Meadow Caldwell are grand - Brook ice cream social and vintage children of John and Dodge automobile car rides, cour - Matilda Dodge tesy of members of the Dodge (Wilson). Motor Car Club. The event culmi - nated with a shoulder-to-shoulder loop of visitors encircling The Hall for a celebratory balloon release.

4 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 5 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

A landmark celebration!

4 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 5 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

Four volunteers mark forty years Troubled bridge no more “Volunteerism is one of the most im - Brook is a big part of our lives. Be - portant things we do,” Gwen Kirby cause Meadow Brook gets you here,” Beneath the grandeur of Meadow brick re-pointing, drainage improve - states with pride. “There are many gesturing to her heart. Brook Hall’s Entrance Bridge, visible ment to the upper deck, restoration businesses that couldn’t survive with - “I always like to talk, but not to a and invisible deterioration in the form of the wood railings and extensive out us. And, seeing as I’ve of rust and rot posed a major concern work on the underside deck to volunteered for 40 years, it for both the bridge’s structurally repair means I think it is impor - soundness and aes - the steel-reinforced tant.” thetics. Designed concrete support Gwen is one of four volun - and constructed in beams. K C

teers who were recently hon - N the late 20’s in rustic While the major I F

A Tudor elegance with extent of the repair

ored for 40 years of service to S E

R stepped brick piers, work took place Meadow Brook Hall – a E H record few, in any, nonprofit T massive timber under the bridge, organizations could match. beams and ornately and therefore was Irene Connors “In the beginning, the vol - 41 ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY WALK carved wood rail - not visible to guests, unteers were mostly women,” ings, the span has the sound and dust VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT adds Doug Thorpe. “How - Holiday Glitz borne its share of from hand-held ever, men play an important auto, tour bus and jack-hammers break - Left to right: Gwen Kirby, Doug Thorpe, For Holiday Walk 2012, Meadow She leads with part – not just as docents, but truck traffic over the ing away hundreds Mary Cichowski and Shirley Holt. Brook is “Puttin’ on the Glitz.” as squires as well.” Mary Ci - decades. of pounds of con - Guests will be able to explore the her heart chowski smiled as she looked around group,” volunteer Shirley Holt admit - The extent of the deterioration, crete could be heard . . . and seen. . . amazing events that took place at and Tirelessly, pleasantly, and with great the room at her fellow honorees. “I’ve ted. “But, as a docent, I learned to revealed in condition assessments in throughout the estate. Although the around the Great Estate through grace. These words describe the work learned about so many things, and keep visitors’ attention and now it’s 2011, indicated that critical work work required weekday closure of vignettes of clothing, jewelry and Irene Connors has done for Meadow made so, so many friends. Meadow something I really enjoy. ” would be needed on the vital struc - the entrance drive and the re-routing photography. Brook and its corps of volunteers. tural components at a cost of nearly of traffic for several months, the in - Thanks to a special loan from the This year, Irene received the Barb $360,000. The Entrance Bridge convenience was a small concession Detroit Historical Society, visitors will Thorpe Outstanding Volunteer Award. Restoration Project funded in part by toward a worthy outcome – a newly be able to see Matilda Dodge Wilson’s Her service to The Hall included the Matilda R. Wilson Fund Chal - restored bridge that once again com - Inaugural dress from 1940 when she untold volunteer hours as well as a lenge Grant, kicked-off in early sum - plements the grand approach to became Michigan’s Lieutenant Gover - 10-year stint as volunteer coordinator, mer 2012. Contractor RAM The Hall’s formal courtyard in all nor. Also featured will be Frances’ which she led by example. (formerly Western Waterproofing) seasons...and a safe passage over the debutant gown and her dramatic ice “I was really surprised,” Irene ad - performed the work, which included ravine below. blue wedding dress. John Dodge’s mits. “As they were reading off the pocket watches, recipient’s qualifications I was trying Matilda’s costume price ranges (see back cover) . to think who it was.” You’re Invited to an elegant jewelry collection, and Holiday Walk begins In accepting the award she notes, evening of holiday entertainment other vintage jewelry Friday, November 23 “It’s really quite an honor. The award with live music, a strolling dinner, will add to the glamour. and continues through is named after a volunteer who really cocktails and open touring during Even the decorations Saturday, December 22. went above and beyond. It means so this year’s Starlight Stroll event, will sparkle and shine, For information on Holiday much more to me because it honors fittingly themed “Ballroom Glitz.” as the Hall itself puts on Walk tour tickets, group Barb Thorpe’s legacy.” And she hopes The event is Thursday, December the glitz with stunning tour-and-lunch packages, others will be encouraged to keep vol - 13, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pure Meadow Brook holiday decorations. and other special events unteering. “The Hall is part of history, Tickets are $75 per person. In September, Meadow Brook participated in a Pure Michigan 50-city A stop at The Hall’s at Meadow Brook Hall but also part of the future. Hopefully For additional information or to sing-a-long, posted to the Internet, representing the Rochester area. The Museum Store will reveal a treasure during the holiday season, please future generations will be able to enjoy scene was a black-tie dinner party in the Wren Dining Room, filled by staff make reservations, please call trove of specially selected holiday and visit www.meadowbrookhall.org, Meadow Brook as much as we have.” and friends. (248) 364-6263. gift merchandise encompassing all or call 248-364-6200. MB

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 7 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

teers who were recently hon - N the late 20’s in rustic While the major I F

A Tudor elegance with extent of the repair

ored for 40 years of service to S E

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 7 Up the chimneys they rose

Tuck pointing, re-pointing, brick deterioration, especially the mortar The restoration process began a year task included “grinding away the dam - pointing, spot pointing or pointing joints. Over time, the joints can erode ago with pre-construction work that aged mortar joints up to a depth of 1- up…just what exactly does all this and crack, causing water to infiltrate included both mortar analysis to deter - ½ inches with an electric grinder and “pointing” mean? This past year, and further damage the mortar joints mine and replicate the appearance of hand chisel, rinsing away the dust to Meadow Brook Hall became quite fa - and the adjoining brick. the original mortar composition and ensure a proper mortar bond and, miliar with these masonry terms, when Such was the case with the Meadow the procurement of more than 1,000 where needed, replacing the damaged restoration work on four of The Hall’s Brook Hall chimneys. Their condition, hand-made bricks that included 17 bricks” Shaw said. “We then put down 39 chimneys was tackled in a big way. according to brick mason Ben Shaw shapes and colors. a 3/8” lift, which is the first pass of Although the masonry terms are (pictured below) of Pullman (Structural With materials finally in place, the mortar into the joint, followed by the often (and incorrectly) used inter - Group), “is what I expected for a “re-pointing” process (the correct next lift after it is “thumb print” hard. changeably, they all refer to a process building over 80 years old. Most of the term for this particular restoration The end result creates the best match that applies or re-applies mortar joints deterioration on the mortar joints and technique), began in early Spring with possible to the original construction to brick or stonework. While masonry brickwork is on the south and west ex - Shaw and his mason assistant, Dirk materials and should extend the chim - is generally considered a permanent posures of the stacks where weather Morrison, harnessed into a lift bucket ney’s life span another 80 years.” building material, it is not immune to conditions tend to be more severe.” some 65 feet in the air. The arduous Shaw also added that although work was somewhat grueling during the summer’s hot spell, he loved working at Meadow Brook Hall. His birds-eye view of the building’s architecture and gardens was incredible. He also ad - mired the team effort in working over, around and through the challenges of The Hall’s busy museum operations. But, he added “I could have done without the seven bee stings … hazards of the job I guess.” The project, funded by the Matilda R. Wilson Fund matching grant program, was managed by SmithGroup/ JJR, Detroit, George W. Auch Company of Pontiac and Pull - man (Structural Group, Inc.) out

of Trenton, MI. MB

Brick and Mortar The procurement of more than 1,000 custom-made bricks included various darker colored bricks (as seen in the photo on the left) which were designed for a speciﬁc purpose described by original Hall architect William Kapp: “Starting with the brick - work above the roof line, which in some cases is ordinary sized brick, the color should be the full range as now in the ﬁeld for any and all walled work. The gradual intensity of color as the brickwork travels up the shaft to the caps, gives a smoked-up effect at once, rather than waiting for time to do this for us.”

8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Up the chimneys they rose

of Trenton, MI. MB

8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 A Little Cottage On The Hill

BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER

he sky is cloudless, as a ring of smoke rises from the chimney of this cozy Tudor-style home. The surrounding path and trees T cut an enchanting silhouette. But there’s work to be done, and a girl in her polka-dot apron sweetly sweeps crimson and gold leaves from the front porch. Will chipmunks now gather and chirping birds swoop down to lift her and any troubles away? After all, this scene looks like some - thing straight out of a storybook. But for a young lady named Frances M. Dodge, this fairytale setting, called Hilltop Lodge, was just an everyday backdrop to her life grow - ing up. Hilltop Lodge was a birthday present when Frances turned 12 in November 1926. Her mother, Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of John Dodge and then wife of lumber ex - ecutive Alfred G. Wilson, wanted to gift her daughter with something that would not only offer an idyllic place to while away the hours, but a brick-and-mortar building in which she could learn the practical lessons of running a home. She might one day be the keeper of a grand home, and what better way to practice than in a miniaturized ver - sion of the “American Castle” they would be living in called Meadow Brook Hall? To reﬂect the image of Meadow Brook, then on the drawing board, the Wilsons called upon the same artisans to create this one-of-a-kind playhouse. It was designed by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls and constructed

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 11 A Little Cottage On The Hill

BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 11 Frances’ playhouse was the ﬁrst all electric-powered home of any type in the Detroit metropolitan area.

by general contractor Bryant & De - struction, the twiler. When completed and fully fur - family moved nished, this $23,000 fantasy, encircled again, leaving by a white picket fence, would be Grosse Pointe dubbed “the world’s finest doll house” for the sum - in newspapers across the state and mers and stay - country. Even other girls born into ing at Meadow Frances Dodge, age 12, with her first pony, wealthy families at the time, like “mil - Brook Farms. “Lassie” at Meadow Brook Farms. lion dollar baby” Doris Duke and While Frances was adjusting to the Handwritten note inside a Hilltop “poor little rich girls” Barbara Wool - many changes in her life, this beloved Lodge (Knole Cottage) autograph book, thought to conduct a home properly.” worth Hutton and Brenda Frazier, did - new playhouse eased her into living on dated December 5, 1926. “Family Tea Stepping through the front door of n’t enjoy a three-quarter scale, the Rochester estate. Party – After a sleigh ride over lots of Frances’ dream house, guests would six-room retreat of this caliber. At 22 by 30 feet, the dimensions of beautiful white snow with “Black Boy” have been suspended in a golden tapes - But a few years earlier, young Hilltop were ideal for a girl edging drawing the cutter – How happy we all try of the finest antiques and furnish - Frances’ life had been rather tumul - closer to adulthood. The doorways are – Mother, Daddy, Danny and ings. No expense was spared. The tuous. In 1920, her father, John, died were 5 feet 4 inches and the ceilings Frances.” authentic art and accessories, some im - suddenly of complications from the flu throughout were 6 feet 3 inches, with ported from Europe, echoed that this and her uncle, Horace Dodge, a few the exception of the living room, kitchen and bathroom, with steam heat was the finest money could buy. months later. At that time, her family which was a foot taller. Her stepfather, and running water. Of course, with At the hall entrance, a visitor’s eyes was living in the Boston-Edison neigh - Alfred, who towered at 6-foot-3, could these household utilities came respon - would have been drawn to the woven borhood of Detroit, home to many only join her in the living room for tea sibilities. Thus, Frances had her own rug on the floor, featuring a charming aristocratic automotive families, includ - parties. checkbook to oversee the budget and picture of “Little Red Riding Hood.” ing Henry Ford, Walter Briggs and Though the size would particularly manage the expenses. A marble-topped end table and a tiny four of the Fisher brothers. By the time appeal to someone of Frances’ stature, “It’s a splendid thing for her,” gold-framed mirror, flanked by electric Hilltop was built, Frances and her fam - Hilltop Lodge had something that Matilda Dodge Wilson is quoted as candles, might have beckoned. Off the ily had moved their residence to Lin - would be the envy of any adult home - saying in the Dec. 27, 1926, issue of hall was a coat closet, and beyond that coln Road in Grosse Pointe, only steps owner: Electricity. Frances’ playhouse the Jackson Citizen Patriot newspaper. the ample living room. away from where her widowed aunt was the first all electric-powered home “When she gets together a dinner for Looking around the living room, Anna Dodge’s mansion would be built. of any type in the Detroit metropolitan her friends she learns that serving a there was a fireplace, with mini logs During the years 1926-29, while area. Along with electricity, she also dinner means a lot of work and a lot of sometimes ablaze, a window seat with Meadow Brook Hall was under con - had the luxury of a fully operating effort. She learns that it takes care and five windows bordered by brown

12 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 13 Frances’ playhouse was the ﬁrst all electric-powered home of any type in the Detroit metropolitan area.

12 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 13 taffeta draperies, a Newfoundland would entertain on the manicured The kitchen . . .featured an electric two-burner cook range, a set The world was throw rug with a dogsled scene, and a lawn with her miniature-sized furni - bookshelf with miniature volumes of ture: two green umbrella tables with of tiny pots and pans, jars of jam and pickles . . . a small refrigerator different then . . . Tennyson, Burns and others. On the chairs, a green glider set, two doll- wall hung a mezzotint, “Boy With sized sets of Redwood picnic tables In 1926, the stock market was Hare” by T. Hamilton Crawford, a and benches, and two sets of dolls’ booming, and silent movie stars Mary renowned British illustrator and wooden furniture. Pickford and Charlie Chaplin were painter. And over the mantle hung a Frances’ playhouse was originally set lighting up theater marquees. Irving portrait of her little sister, Anna Mar - upon a small hill near the John Dodge Berlin’s “Because I Love You” was garet, who died two years earlier. It Farmhouse on her family’s 1,500-acre dominating radio airwaves, and Bub - was at once a sweet tribute and a sad estate, hence the name Hilltop Lodge. bling Over won the Kentucky Derby. If reminder that Frances’ young life was But in 1929, it was relocated closer you wanted to drive in style and already twice struck by tragedy. to the newly opened Meadow Brook bought a new Dodge Brothers De- To nurture her caretaking instincts, Hall and later renamed Knole Cot - Luxe Sedan – with luxurious mohair the cheery pink nursery was home for tage. It seemed fitting because the interior and the finest chrome vana - a dozen dolls. Some were as small as Knole House, in west Kent, Eng - dium from engine to axles – you spent old-fashioned matchboxes and others land – where King Henry VIII and a grand sum of $1,075. were nearly head to head with Frances Earls and Dukes of Dorset once This was also the year Frances M. herself. To spend quality time with resided – was a model for the English Dodge, heiress to the John Dodge them, she had a cradle, swing and medieval-style architecture of Frances’ estate, received her gift of Knole Cot - high white dresser, where she care - mini home as well as Meadow Brook. tage. This fancy playhouse cost fully tucked away their tiny dresses, Though it would be three years $10,000 to build and an additional stockings and mittens, even a beaver- until the kidnapping of Charles A. $13,000 to furnish. In contrast, trimmed coat. The adjacent linen Lindbergh, Jr., several well-publicized $7,800 was the closet held more of her dolls’ clothing child abductions had already struck average price of an American family’s along with her own lacy sweaters, society’s elite. After burying her first home, and most workers were earning dancing frocks and everyday dresses. husband and a 4-year-old daughter, about $1,300 a year. If one was lucky enough to receive Matilda wasn’t about to take a laissez- Children in similar socio-economic an invitation to visit, Frances’ blue- faire approach to protecting her fam - circles as the Dodge-Wilson family themed bedroom offered an extrava - ily. All her means couldn’t shield her most likely enjoyed sophisticated play - gant respite and its own adjoining from life’s heartaches landing on her things, including Sutcliffe Pressing’s tiled bathroom, complete with a bath - doorstep, but Matilda and Alfred wooden boats, Kingsbury’s three- tub, washstand and monogrammed would make every effort to do what Knole Cottage interiors, c.1929. Top: Kitchen. motor monoplanes, and American towels. they could. So when the cottage was Left: Frances’ bedroom. Below: Living Room. Flyer locomotive systems. Well-to-do An elegant harvest-style table and moved, they also installed a guard - girls would have cradled expensive chairs, petite tea wagon and built-in house nearby. dolls, such as Effanbee bisque dolls and china cabinet, containing sherbet As time marched on, and days Madame Alexander composition dolls. glasses the size of little thimbles, turned to years, Knole Cottage Meanwhile, most girls in America graced the dining room. “Girl With would remain an important part of were probably hugging a Flossy Flirt White Hat” by H.T. Greenhurd Miss Dodge’s life on the estate. But as Doll or Teddy Bear – each under $5. brightened the wall, while a three- girls grow up, their interests can turn Boys were playing with Magic quarter- sized floor screen with green to other loves, like shiny American Lanterns, pulling Olympic Flyer Wag - fabric inserts and a Chinese plant Saddlebred horses. Frances’ passion ons or experimenting with Erector stand adorned the space. would intensify to riding competi - Sets. Pedal cars, fashioned after famous The kitchen, the heart of her home, tively, breeding and caring for her carmakers (like Dodge), were prized featured an electric two-burner cook horses in her own specially built possessions for the middle-class lad. range, set of tiny pots and pans, jars facility. With the addition of Dodge Bird whistlers, cast iron cars, gyro - of jelly, jam and pickles, a small refrig - Stables, the fairytale estate became scopes and marbles were more com - erator, child’s drop-leaf oval table even more monumental. Yet with its mon. with turned legs and a matching larger-than-life presence, that special But Knole Cottage, Frances’ 12th teacart. 12th year birthday gift called Hilltop year birthday gift, would have wowed A cabinet stored her precious Lodge would always burn brightly in children and adults alike – and contin - hand-painted china and tea sets. the heart of a young heiress named Karel Bond Lucander is a freelance writer from Davidson, North Carolina. ues to do so, more than 85 years later. Behind the playhouse, Frances Frances M. Dodge. MB

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 15 taffeta draperies, a Newfoundland would entertain on the manicured The kitchen . . .featured an electric two-burner cook range, a set The world was throw rug with a dogsled scene, and a lawn with her miniature-sized furni - bookshelf with miniature volumes of ture: two green umbrella tables with of tiny pots and pans, jars of jam and pickles . . . a small refrigerator different then . . . Tennyson, Burns and others. On the chairs, a green glider set, two doll- wall hung a mezzotint, “Boy With sized sets of Redwood picnic tables In 1926, the stock market was Hare” by T. Hamilton Crawford, a and benches, and two sets of dolls’ booming, and silent movie stars Mary renowned British illustrator and wooden furniture. Pickford and Charlie Chaplin were painter. And over the mantle hung a Frances’ playhouse was originally set lighting up theater marquees. Irving portrait of her little sister, Anna Mar - upon a small hill near the John Dodge Berlin’s “Because I Love You” was garet, who died two years earlier. It Farmhouse on her family’s 1,500-acre dominating radio airwaves, and Bub - was at once a sweet tribute and a sad estate, hence the name Hilltop Lodge. bling Over won the Kentucky Derby. If reminder that Frances’ young life was But in 1929, it was relocated closer you wanted to drive in style and already twice struck by tragedy. to the newly opened Meadow Brook bought a new Dodge Brothers De- To nurture her caretaking instincts, Hall and later renamed Knole Cot - Luxe Sedan – with luxurious mohair the cheery pink nursery was home for tage. It seemed fitting because the interior and the finest chrome vana - a dozen dolls. Some were as small as Knole House, in west Kent, Eng - dium from engine to axles – you spent old-fashioned matchboxes and others land – where King Henry VIII and a grand sum of $1,075. were nearly head to head with Frances Earls and Dukes of Dorset once This was also the year Frances M. herself. To spend quality time with resided – was a model for the English Dodge, heiress to the John Dodge them, she had a cradle, swing and medieval-style architecture of Frances’ estate, received her gift of Knole Cot - high white dresser, where she care - mini home as well as Meadow Brook. tage. This fancy playhouse cost fully tucked away their tiny dresses, Though it would be three years $10,000 to build and an additional stockings and mittens, even a beaver- until the kidnapping of Charles A. $13,000 to furnish. In contrast, trimmed coat. The adjacent linen Lindbergh, Jr., several well-publicized $7,800 was the closet held more of her dolls’ clothing child abductions had already struck average price of an American family’s along with her own lacy sweaters, society’s elite. After burying her first home, and most workers were earning dancing frocks and everyday dresses. husband and a 4-year-old daughter, about $1,300 a year. If one was lucky enough to receive Matilda wasn’t about to take a laissez- Children in similar socio-economic an invitation to visit, Frances’ blue- faire approach to protecting her fam - circles as the Dodge-Wilson family themed bedroom offered an extrava - ily. All her means couldn’t shield her most likely enjoyed sophisticated play - gant respite and its own adjoining from life’s heartaches landing on her things, including Sutcliffe Pressing’s tiled bathroom, complete with a bath - doorstep, but Matilda and Alfred wooden boats, Kingsbury’s three- tub, washstand and monogrammed would make every effort to do what Knole Cottage interiors, c.1929. Top: Kitchen. motor monoplanes, and American towels. they could. So when the cottage was Left: Frances’ bedroom. Below: Living Room. Flyer locomotive systems. Well-to-do An elegant harvest-style table and moved, they also installed a guard - girls would have cradled expensive chairs, petite tea wagon and built-in house nearby. dolls, such as Effanbee bisque dolls and china cabinet, containing sherbet As time marched on, and days Madame Alexander composition dolls. glasses the size of little thimbles, turned to years, Knole Cottage Meanwhile, most girls in America graced the dining room. “Girl With would remain an important part of were probably hugging a Flossy Flirt White Hat” by H.T. Greenhurd Miss Dodge’s life on the estate. But as Doll or Teddy Bear – each under $5. brightened the wall, while a three- girls grow up, their interests can turn Boys were playing with Magic quarter- sized floor screen with green to other loves, like shiny American Lanterns, pulling Olympic Flyer Wag - fabric inserts and a Chinese plant Saddlebred horses. Frances’ passion ons or experimenting with Erector stand adorned the space. would intensify to riding competi - Sets. Pedal cars, fashioned after famous The kitchen, the heart of her home, tively, breeding and caring for her carmakers (like Dodge), were prized featured an electric two-burner cook horses in her own specially built possessions for the middle-class lad. range, set of tiny pots and pans, jars facility. With the addition of Dodge Bird whistlers, cast iron cars, gyro - of jelly, jam and pickles, a small refrig - Stables, the fairytale estate became scopes and marbles were more com - erator, child’s drop-leaf oval table even more monumental. Yet with its mon. with turned legs and a matching larger-than-life presence, that special But Knole Cottage, Frances’ 12th teacart. 12th year birthday gift called Hilltop year birthday gift, would have wowed A cabinet stored her precious Lodge would always burn brightly in children and adults alike – and contin - hand-painted china and tea sets. the heart of a young heiress named Karel Bond Lucander is a freelance writer from Davidson, North Carolina. ues to do so, more than 85 years later. Behind the playhouse, Frances Frances M. Dodge. MB

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 15 s the changing daylight streams through the windows, brilliant images of gallant Knights clad Glass for the ages Ain armor, majestic clippers in full sail BY KIM ZELINSKI navigating the seas, lions and unicorns dramatically poised and a humble ser - vant steadying a boar’s head on a tray, are spectacularly revealed. These figurative icons represent just a few of the 50 stained glass medallions and panels that embellish the massive windows in Meadow Brook Hall. In - stalled in nine rooms throughout three floors, the windows’ rich tapestry of color and interplay of light bring the exquisite details to life and enliven the spaces with subtle gleams of beauty. Meadow Brook’s glass medallions, depicting scenes from literature, his - tory, music and the arts of medieval so - ciety, are the artistic work of G. Owen Bonawit, who operated a glass studio Opposite page: ballroom in New York City from 1915 to 1941. windows depicting poetry Bonawit produced the medallions for readings and the Wilson Tiffany Studios. They were initially in - crest. Clockwise from upper stalled in the Grosse Pointe mansion left: “servant bringing in the John and Matilda Dodge were build - boar’s head,” dining room; ing in 1919. The medallions, along “shield with rampant uni - with many other architectural items in corn,” grand staircase; the unfinished home, were salvaged below: “crowned knight and installed in similar rooms at during the time of the Meadow Brook Hall a decade later 100 Years’ War,” living when Matilda and her second husband, room south bay. Alfred Wilson, built The Hall. Additionally, three pairs of new . . . a minimum stained glass windows were specially made for the Ballroom. These win - use of leading dows possessed what the Hall’s archi - tect, William Kapp, described as in this tech - “unusual conditions:” The two-story, nique gives north-facing Ballroom windows were positioned at ground level. Kapp refer - structure to enced the challenge in letters sent to potential glassmakers as needing “a the overall decorative window which will intro - duce a great deal of light in the day composition,, time and yet not be so transparent as to permit a clear vision of the outdoors rather than separating the glass into and making it apparent that it is a base - ment room. The problem is further fragmented compartments as was typically complicated by the fact that the room done in the mosaic style will be used principally in the evening and the average leaded glass window is " "

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 PHOTOS BY THERESA FINCK Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 17 s the changing daylight streams through the windows, brilliant images of gallant Knights clad Glass for the ages Ain armor, majestic clippers in full sail BY KIM ZELINSKI navigating the seas, lions and unicorns dramatically poised and a humble ser - vant steadying a boar’s head on a tray, are spectacularly revealed. These figurative icons represent just a few of the 50 stained glass medallions and panels that embellish the massive windows in Meadow Brook Hall. In - stalled in nine rooms throughout three floors, the windows’ rich tapestry of color and interplay of light bring the exquisite details to life and enliven the spaces with subtle gleams of beauty. Meadow Brook’s glass medallions, depicting scenes from literature, his - tory, music and the arts of medieval so - ciety, are the artistic work of G. Owen Bonawit, who operated a glass studio Opposite page: ballroom in New York City from 1915 to 1941. windows depicting poetry Bonawit produced the medallions for readings and the Wilson Tiffany Studios. They were initially in - crest. Clockwise from upper stalled in the Grosse Pointe mansion left: “servant bringing in the John and Matilda Dodge were build - boar’s head,” dining room; ing in 1919. The medallions, along “shield with rampant uni - with many other architectural items in corn,” grand staircase; the unfinished home, were salvaged below: “crowned knight and installed in similar rooms at during the time of the Meadow Brook Hall a decade later 100 Years’ War,” living when Matilda and her second husband, room south bay. Alfred Wilson, built The Hall. Additionally, three pairs of new . . . a minimum stained glass windows were specially made for the Ballroom. These win - use of leading dows possessed what the Hall’s archi - tect, William Kapp, described as in this tech - “unusual conditions:” The two-story, nique gives north-facing Ballroom windows were positioned at ground level. Kapp refer - structure to enced the challenge in letters sent to potential glassmakers as needing “a the overall decorative window which will intro - duce a great deal of light in the day composition,, time and yet not be so transparent as to permit a clear vision of the outdoors rather than separating the glass into and making it apparent that it is a base - ment room. The problem is further fragmented compartments as was typically complicated by the fact that the room done in the mosaic style will be used principally in the evening and the average leaded glass window is " "

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 PHOTOS BY THERESA FINCK Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 17 Both Bonawit and Williams enjoyed successful careers as master craftsmen in stained glass fabrication for both ec - clesiastical and secular buildings. They used similar technique: painting, stain - ing, firing and etching, and minimum use of leading. In this technique, the leading gives structure to the overall composition, rather than separating the glass into fragmented compartments as was typically done in the “mosaic” style. Although the stained glass art form was developed nine centuries ago, pro - duction in America did not fully emerge in its own right until the 1840s and peaked during the building boom of the early 20th century. It was during this period that wealthy patrons, partic - ularly the industrial barons, replicated the art forms of churches, including carved wood, large gold and silver ob - jects and stained glass, as a means to “sanctify” the display of their fortunes in the form of great mansions, import - ing European styles of architecture with great accuracy. Tudor revival ar - chitecture, such as that used at Meadow Brook Hall, reflected the me - dieval period of 1479-1607 in England and incorporated a prolific use of leaded and stained glass windows based on the designs and themes of that pe - riod. Few other forms of artistic expres - sions are so well suited or have been so Right: 16th century ship, Alfred rather a dead affair at night. Of course, widely used to express a story or re - Wilson’s study. Above: living we would not consider, under any cir - count important historical events as room north bay series (fighting cumstances, to attempt to place lights stained glass. The beauty, artistry and bird, lady with shield, lion with on the outside of the windows.”* craftsmanship of such windows have wings and angel). Opposite Several masters in the field were so - endured for centuries in churches, page, clockwise from top: figure licited, including Bonawit, but it would universities and grand mansions. As a of a Scribe, library; swan and be the designs of John Scott Williams repository of note, Meadow Brook shield with horse, grand stair - of Henderson Brothers (New York) Hall proudly gleams with visions of case; lady with flower and bird, that the Wilsons would select. His de - knights, kings and angelic maidens servants porch. signs appropriately themed for the when the sun moves slowly across the

room’s function – entertainment – in - south façade. MB cluded scenes of a romantic poetry *Author’s note: Meadow Brook installed reading, Shakespearian play, a Faust such exterior lights in the 1990s. We hope opera and cleverly placed in the center Mr. Kapp would agree that they are a window, the Wilsons’ family crest. tasteful addition.

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 19 Both Bonawit and Williams enjoyed successful careers as master craftsmen in stained glass fabrication for both ec - clesiastical and secular buildings. They used similar technique: painting, stain - ing, firing and etching, and minimum use of leading. In this technique, the leading gives structure to the overall composition, rather than separating the glass into fragmented compartments as was typically done in the “mosaic” style. Although the stained glass art form was developed nine centuries ago, pro - duction in America did not fully emerge in its own right until the 1840s and peaked during the building boom of the early 20th century. It was during this period that wealthy patrons, partic - ularly the industrial barons, replicated the art forms of churches, including carved wood, large gold and silver ob - jects and stained glass, as a means to “sanctify” the display of their fortunes in the form of great mansions, import - ing European styles of architecture with great accuracy. Tudor revival ar - chitecture, such as that used at Meadow Brook Hall, reflected the me - dieval period of 1479-1607 in England and incorporated a prolific use of leaded and stained glass windows based on the designs and themes of that pe - riod. Few other forms of artistic expres - sions are so well suited or have been so Right: 16th century ship, Alfred rather a dead affair at night. Of course, widely used to express a story or re - Wilson’s study. Above: living we would not consider, under any cir - count important historical events as room north bay series (fighting cumstances, to attempt to place lights stained glass. The beauty, artistry and bird, lady with shield, lion with on the outside of the windows.”* craftsmanship of such windows have wings and angel). Opposite Several masters in the field were so - endured for centuries in churches, page, clockwise from top: figure licited, including Bonawit, but it would universities and grand mansions. As a of a Scribe, library; swan and be the designs of John Scott Williams repository of note, Meadow Brook shield with horse, grand stair - of Henderson Brothers (New York) Hall proudly gleams with visions of case; lady with flower and bird, that the Wilsons would select. His de - knights, kings and angelic maidens servants porch. signs appropriately themed for the when the sun moves slowly across the

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 19 THE MAKING OF A MANSION A colossal construction project

BY KIM ZELINSKI

composition was oddly described as Kapp would personally direct. The de - PART TWO OF TWO PARTS having a “waxy” appearance. Each day sired “weathered effect” was accom - PART ONE OF THE ARTICLE of pouring would require a sample to plished by slightly slanting a few bricks ENDED WITH THE HALL ’S be delivered in cylinders to a labora - on each course. When this was not cor - GROUNDBREAKING IN 1926. tory for strength and compression test - rectly achieved on the east wing due to ing. A remark in one of the daily logs “excessive” slanting, the wall would be During the first year of construction, referred to a record mixing of 154 rebuilt. In all, nearly 400,000 face general contractors Bryant & Detwiler cubic yards of concrete all in one day. bricks of various sizes and color were (B&D) would retain a daily roster of This milestone would have required used to build Meadow Brook Hall’s nearly 100 workers, including engi - nearly 900 bags of cement alone. exterior walls. neers, masons, carpenters, laborers and Thousands of pounds of steel rein - The supply and installation of the a watchman for site security. The work - forced the concrete walls, floors and massive pieces of sandstone by the force would endure long hours on a beams. Briar Hill Stone Company, one of sev - six-day-a-week schedule during an era By May of 1927, with all the base - eral companies still in existence today, when overtime was not paid. ment floors and walls poured, the made them the highest paid contractor The inventory of construction ma - foundation was ready for its base at just over $143,000 dollars. The chinery, in addition to the lone steam course of granite stone. Most of the company handled all of the stonework, shovel, would include a steam hoist, product was salvaged from the including the stone window surrounds concrete mixer, electric saw, Fordson Dodges’ Grosse Pointe home. Once and stone traceries, door jams, copings tractor, saw mill and “burning outfit.” set, the masons began to construct the and capstones. Supplementing this “power” equip - exterior walls with the decorative face Adding interesting detail to many of ment was a horse-drawn wagon used brick shipped in bi-weekly loads via these sandstone pieces were carvings primarily for hauling soil. Though, on railroad car to Rochester. crafted by the then 25-year old Cor - at least one occasion when Dodge It was common at that time for ar - rado Parducci (who also created the Road’s (now known as Adams Road) chitects to visit suppliers to review dining room’s plaster ceiling). Parducci muddy condition prevented a delivery drawings and to inspect their materials. modeled the pieces on several thematic of much needed materials from reach - Sterling Brick would be one of several concepts, including: carvings of the ing the job site, the two workhorse companies architect William Kapp four seasons, the Dodge and Wilson hitch, with wagon in tow, delivered. would visit for that purpose. It was also coats of arms, the zodiac symbols, The Hall’s structural framework, common for many company owners, sporting activities that would take place made of concrete reinforced with steel, especially those with large contracts, to on the estate, and native wildlife. was equivalent to that of a commercial visit the construction site. Lumber used in The Hall’s construc - building. The composition of the con - Prior to making any final decisions tion covered both structural and orna - crete, critical to the overall strength of on the selection of the exterior wall mental purposes. The wood framing – the building, was a precise measure - materials, a sample wall was erected to half-timbers that were mortised, ment of three ingredients: cement show the blend of the different materi - tenoned and pegged together – served (purchased in single refillable bags), als including the brick, stone and roof primarily as a decorative architectural fine and coarse aggregate (delivered by tiles. The importance of getting the feature that filled the spaces between the truck-load) and water. A good brick layout just right was a task that the stucco, brick and stone and repre -

Upper photo: East Wing, c. 1928. Above: Loggia, c. 1927.

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 MMeeaaddooww B Brrooook k MMAAGGAAZZIINNE E | |F Faalll l2 2001122 2 21 1 THE MAKING OF A MANSION A colossal construction project

BY KIM ZELINSKI

Upper photo: East Wing, c. 1928. Above: Loggia, c. 1927.

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 MMeeaaddooww B Brrooook k MMAAGGAAZZIINNE E | |F Faalll l2 2001122 2 21 1 sents a prominent design element of Ludowicki. Aesthetically appealing for on the house were created by Oscar Tudor Revival architecture. their irregular and antique appearance Bach, perhaps the most recognized The lumber used for framing win- of old world masonry, the 6"x14" x name in the decorative iron works in- dows and the roof came from the 5/8" clay tiles were composed of at dustry: the iron gate at the front entry Grosse Pointe home salvage. It was cat- least five different variations of color door and a gate hung between egorized as either ‘good oak,’ that and texture. The approximately Matilda’s office and the Loggia. which could be cut with little waste, or 200,000 tiles, advertised to last forever By early 1928, The Hall’s Tudor “cull oak,” that which would produce without repair, were laid in just three Revival architecture was magnificently too much waste if cut. Supplementing months. revealed. The characteristic decorative this supply would be a small amount of Bronze windows sashes, 150 of brick, massive stone, half-timbers, steep wood brokered through Alfred and which were salvaged from the Grosse gabled roofs, imposing chimneys and brother Don Wilson’s lumber company, Pointe home, would be integrated into leaded-glass window were classic ex- based in Florida. The Wilson lumber the design of Meadow Brook Hall and pressions of shelter and protection. was primarily used for roof framing. included 44 with tiffany insets. From each exterior view the architec- When the roof framing was com- McCoy Bronze Company would need tural elements demonstrate unique vi- pleted in the latter part of 1927, both to almost double this count with new sual experiences. Even today, visits to the flat portions and pitched areas of sashes. Detroit Stained Glass per- The Hall inspire awe as well as a wel- the roof were ready for their decorative formed the widow glazing. DSG coming feel, recognized by the Wilsons covering. The flat roofs were protected would spend nearly 10,000 hours and themselves in the invitational inscrip- with sheets of lead-coated copper and a total of numerous trips to the prop- tion carved over the building’s mid- the pitched roof was tiled, utilizing erty to complete the project. section: “Welcome the coming, Speed shingle-styled clay tile manufactured by Two of the most decorative features the parting guests.” MB Top: Living Room, c.1928. South façade, c. 1928. Middle: Living Room, c. 1927. Bottom: second floor construction, c 1927.

Labor Wages in 1929 Bricklayer and stone mason – $1.57/hour Carpenter – $1.00/hour Plasterer – $1.56/hour Painter – $0.90/hour Electricians – $ 1.25/hour Plumber – $1.25/hour Laborer – $0.55/hour

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 23 sents a prominent design element of Ludowicki. Aesthetically appealing for on the house were created by Oscar Tudor Revival architecture. their irregular and antique appearance Bach, perhaps the most recognized The lumber used for framing win - of old world masonry, the 6"x14" x name in the decorative iron works in - dows and the roof came from the 5/8" clay tiles were composed of at dustry: the iron gate at the front entry Grosse Pointe home salvage. It was cat - least five different variations of color door and a gate hung between egorized as either ‘good oak,’ that and texture. The approximately Matilda’s office and the Loggia. which could be cut with little waste, or 200,000 tiles, advertised to last forever By early 1928, The Hall’s Tudor “cull oak,” that which would produce without repair, were laid in just three Revival architecture was magnificently too much waste if cut. Supplementing months. revealed. The characteristic decorative this supply would be a small amount of Bronze windows sashes, 150 of brick, massive stone, half-timbers, steep wood brokered through Alfred and which were salvaged from the Grosse gabled roofs, imposing chimneys and brother Don Wilson’s lumber company, Pointe home, would be integrated into leaded-glass window were classic ex - based in Florida. The Wilson lumber the design of Meadow Brook Hall and pressions of shelter and protection. was primarily used for roof framing. included 44 with tiffany insets. From each exterior view the architec - When the roof framing was com - McCoy Bronze Company would need tural elements demonstrate unique vi - pleted in the latter part of 1927, both to almost double this count with new sual experiences. Even today, visits to the flat portions and pitched areas of sashes. Detroit Stained Glass per - The Hall inspire awe as well as a wel - the roof were ready for their decorative formed the widow glazing. DSG coming feel, recognized by the Wilsons covering. The flat roofs were protected would spend nearly 10,000 hours and themselves in the invitational inscrip - with sheets of lead-coated copper and a total of numerous trips to the prop - tion carved over the building’s mid- the pitched roof was tiled, utilizing erty to complete the project. section: “Welcome the coming, Speed shingle-styled clay tile manufactured by Two of the most decorative features the parting guests.” MB Top: Living Room, c.1928. South façade, c. 1928. Middle: Living Room, c. 1927. Bottom: second floor construction, c 1927.

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 23 |Last Page y h p a r g o t o h P

Managing c n i F Maintenance a s e r

Preservation is a key component of the stewardship of The Great Estate. e h

Intern Jasmine Jackson recorded the structures and objects that make up T Meadow Book using a new software program, CP Tool. “First I had to figure out how it worked,” Jasmine explained. “Then I input images and documentation for everything from boilers to cracks in the wall. It was meaningful work, providing and organizing much-needed information into T IMELESS F E LEGANT F P ERFECT an easily retrievable format. And a by-product was great experience for me.” According to Facilities Operations Coordinator Nicole Thomas, “Now that Jasmine is finished, we have a full-life history of the building and equip - ment.” This will help determine where the needs are, monitor repairs, and help manage assets and funds. Jasmine is hoping her internship will give her an edge that her peers won’t have when she graduates from the Ferris State University’s Architectural Technology and Facilities Management program this Fall. “Most of them spent their internships painting buildings or doing repair work.” And when she needed a break from all that keyboard time? “I was planning my wedding here,” she confided with a sly smile. Now

that’s planning. MB www.meadowbrookhall.org 24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK |Last Page y h p a r g o t o h P

Managing c n i F Maintenance a s e r

Preservation is a key component of the stewardship of The Great Estate. e h

that’s planning. MB www.meadowbrookhall.org 24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Fall 2012 A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK FALL 2012

480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 Meado wBr ook

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Visit the Museum Store or order online at www.meadowbrookhall.org/shop INSIDE: Chimneys Restored | The World’s Finest Doll House